Winning the FIFA World Cup is a significant goal for any soccer player. It’s the trophy that everyone aspires to, and some have even faced serious injuries for a shot at it. Defender Samuel Umtiti made history with the French national team at the 2018 World Cup and played a vital role alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona, where they secured seven titles together.
The 31-year-old former LOSC Lille defender is expected to announce his retirement due to ongoing injuries that have kept him off the pitch, with his last professional appearance in January 2024. After becoming a free agent with no club offers, Umtiti has chosen to end his playing career.
Once seen as one of the top defenders and a key member of Didier Deschamps’ France squad, Umtiti’s career has faced challenges due to the physical demands following their World Cup victory. Since then, he has dealt with 18 injuries, causing him to miss 170 matches.
French journalist Fabrice Hawkins recently reported that Umtiti visited the facilities of Olympique Lyon, where he began his career, to record a video—seen as a likely prelude to his official retirement announcement ahead of his 32nd birthday.
Samuel Umtiti celebrates France’s triumph at the 2018 World Cup. (Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
Umtiti risked his career to win the 2018 World Cup with France
Samuel Umtiti’s situation after the 2018 World Cup was influenced by prior health issues. During the tournament, he was already combating chronic left knee problems, specifically cartilage damage.
Before the World Cup, Barcelona’s medical team suggested surgery, but Umtiti opted to delay it to participate in the tournament, viewing it as a pivotal moment.
Instead of surgery, the defender relied on conservative treatments like injections and physiotherapy. Despite his injury, he played in every important match, including the semifinal against Belgium, scoring a crucial goal. France won the championship with Umtiti as a key defender, but the cost to his health was significant.
Over time, his knee sustained serious damage, and during the 2018-19 season, he played very little for Barcelona as his condition worsened. He was unable to regain his previous form as the cartilage did not heal, affecting his confidence on the field.
Umtiti later went on loan to Lecce and signed with Lille, but injuries continued to hinder him, making it challenging for any team to manage him effectively.